Moving to Singapore from Brunei: Expat Guide

Bruneian expats moving to Singapore can leverage visa-free entry for up to 30 days while planning long-term work passes, affordable rentals in family-friendly areas like Tampines or Pasir Ris, and Homejourney's verified property search for safe decisions.

This cluster article in Homejourney's Moving to Singapore from Brunei Museum and Malay Technology Museum: Expat Guide series connects to our broader pillar on Moving to Singapore from Brunei on a Budget. It provides tactical steps for those from Brunei's cultural heartlands like the Brunei Museum and Malay Technology Museum in Kota Batu, blending Brunei history and Islamic art appreciation with Singapore's dynamic expat life. Homejourney prioritizes your safety with transparent, verified information.

Life Around Brunei Museum and Malay Technology Museum: Why Move to Singapore?

The Brunei Museum in Kota Batu showcases Brunei's rich Brunei history, natural resources, and Islamic art, open Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 9 AM to 5 PM (free entry). Nearby, the Malay Technology Museum highlights traditional Malay houses and watercraft, just a 10-minute walk away. Expats here enjoy Brunei's low cost of living (around US$1,500–2,000 monthly excluding rent) and calm vibe in Bandar Seri Begawan[1].

Singapore appeals for career growth in finance, oil & gas, and tech—sectors valuing Bruneian experience. Unlike Brunei's car-dependent lifestyle, Singapore offers world-class MRT and safety. Similarities include multicultural harmony and English usage, but Singapore's higher salaries (e.g., EP minimum S$5,000) offset costs. For more on Brunei's sites, see our Brunei Museum & Malay Technology Museum: Ultimate Guide[1][2].

Relocating to Singapore: Visas and Employment

Brunei citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Singapore for 30 days for scouting jobs or housing. For relocation, secure an Employment Pass (EP) for professionals (min. salary S$5,000, higher for older applicants) or S Pass for mid-skilled roles via MOM. Apply through a job offer; processing takes 3-8 weeks. Check ICA and MOM sites for updates[1][2].

Target jobs in Raffles Place (finance), HarbourFront (energy), or One-North (tech). Bruneians thrive here due to regional ties. Budget S$1,513 monthly for a single person (pre-rent) vs. Brunei's lower baseline. Homejourney advises job-first relocation to avoid lease risks[1].

Property Options for Bruneian Expats

Foreigners like Bruneians can buy private condos freely but need approval for landed homes and cannot purchase HDB flats (citizens/PR only). ABSD is 60% for second properties, but rentals suit most expats (S$1,800–5,000 for 1-bedroom)[1][2].

Popular neighborhoods for Bruneians:

• Tampines/Pasir Ris: Family-oriented, near Changi Airport (20-min flights to Brunei), malls like Tampines Mall (5-min walk from MRT Exit A). Rentals ~S$2,500 for 2-bed.
• Sengkang/Punggol: Green, waterfront, LRT access; ideal post-Kota Batu calm.
• Queenstown/One-North: Tech hubs near NUS, 10-min MRT to CBD.

Use Property Search ">Homejourney's property search for verified listings open to foreigners. Check Projects Directory ">Projects Directory for URA-approved options[1][2].

Practical Settling-In Steps

1. Banking: Open a multi-currency account at DBS/POSB (Brunei Dollar supported). Homejourney's Bank Rates ">bank rates tool helps compare mortgages.
2. Healthcare: World-class public system; expats use private insurance. Register at polyclinics via HealthHub app.
3. Education: International schools in Tampines (e.g., Canadian International, S$25,000+/year). Proximity to NTU suits families.
4. Transport: EZ-Link card for MRT (S$1.50-2.50/ride). Avoid cars (COE S$120k+); airport shuttles to Tampines ~15 mins.

Insider tip: Pasir Ris MRT Exit D leads to White Sands Mall (2-min walk) for groceries—perfect for Brunei expats missing kampong markets[1][2]. For maintenance, book via Aircon Services ">Homejourney aircon services.

Maintaining Brunei Connections

Direct Royal Brunei Airlines flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Changi (1.5 hours, ~S$200 return). Exchange BND to SGD at Changi (best rates) or via Homejourney tools. Join Brunei Association Singapore for events blending Islamic art and culture[1]. Families love weekend trips back to Kota Batu; see our Brunei Museum & Malay Technology Museum with Kids | Homejourney Family Guide ">family guide.

Success Stories: Bruneians in Singapore

Oil execs from Seria now lead HarbourFront teams, enjoying 2x salaries and Tampines condos. A Malay culture enthusiast relocated to Punggol, commuting to museums while advancing in heritage tech. They praise Singapore's safety and Homejourney's transparent searches for stress-free moves[1].

FAQ: Moving to Singapore from Brunei Museum and Malay Technology Museum

Q: Can Bruneians buy property in Singapore?
A: Yes, condos freely; HDB no. Use Homejourney's Projects ">projects directory for foreigner-eligible options[2].

Q: What's the cost jump from Brunei?
A: Rent doubles (S$2,500 vs. BND1,100); total single expat ~S$4,000/month. Budget via our pillar guide[1].

Q: Best areas near Brunei flights?
A: Tampines/Pasir Ris—15-min MRT/shuttle from Changi[1].

Q: Visa-free scouting time?
A: 30 days; extend via passes[2].

Q: Bruneian community support?
A: Brunei Association events; Homejourney verifies expat networks.

Ready to relocate safely? Start with Property Search ">Homejourney property search and our budget pillar. Trust Homejourney for verified, user-first guidance.

References

1. Singapore Property Market Analysis 1 (2026)
2. Singapore Property Market Analysis 2 (2026)